Fagus sylvatica Beech (Fagaceae) Deciduous tree

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Fagus sylvatica
Beech
Deciduous tree
(1 Page of 5)

The Fagus sylvatica plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Fagaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Beech.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Fagus sylvatica
Common Name:  Beech
Family:  Fagaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  Large quantities of the seed may be toxic[65, 76].

Mature Height:  30   Mature Width:  15

Habitat:  Grows in woodlands where it is often the dominant species, especially on chalky soils[13].

General Uses: A semi-drying oil is obtained from the seed, it is used as a fuel for lighting, as a lubricant, for polishing wood etc[12, 13, 46, 57, 63]. The seed residue is poisonous[9, 57]. The leaf buds harvested in the winter and dried on the twigs are used as toothpicks[66]. The leaves are gathered in autumn and used as a stuffing material for mattresses etc[115]. Wood - hard, heavy, strong, very durable[13, 46]. It is not suitable for outdoor use[1] and is often attacked by a small beetle[4]. It has a wide range of applications, including furniture, flooring, turnery etc[100]. It makes a very good fuel[6, 66], burning with a lot of heat[4], and yields a charcoal known as 'Carbo Ligni Pulveratus'[46]. The wood has often been used as a source of creosote, tar, methyl alcohol. acetic acid[123].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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